KCAP Architect and Planners are bringing the cultural past of Seoul’s District 4 into harmony with its future as stunning retail, entertainment and public space with sustainable modular design at the areas forefront.

Rotterdam-based KCAP Architects and Planners have won an international competition to regenerate the ‘Sewoon District 4’ area in the South Korean capital of Seoul. KCAP’s proposal, chosen from the pool of eight finalists, will see the development of a sustainable mixed use scheme blending future adaptability with respect for cultural heritage.

KCAP’s scheme will cover 280,000 square meters, providing retail, entertainment, offices, educational facilities, medical facilities, and a hotel. The proposal’s massing promotes a subtle integration with the urban context by responding to the rhythm of surrounding streets. Blending past and future, the architects have created a sustainable, adaptable scheme which preserves historic structures.

A modular system allows for units to be connected or separated, responding to future needs. Meanwhile, the preservation of historic traces and buildings ensures the scheme retains a sense of place and identity, regardless of future adaptations.

KCAP’s proposal presented the most suitable strategy for Sewoon District #4 based on an excellent understanding of historic and urban conditions of the site – Professor On Young Tae, Selection Jury President.

Construction is expected to begin in 2021, with the scheme opening in 2023.